BAGUIO CITY – The Boleroz crippled Knights while Jumong cracks Exercitus Dei as the race to the semifinal round intensified in the Y’Cup eliminations.
Boleroz got the upper hand, opening with a 25-20 first quarter run however bu was cut short as the Knights countered with a 25-18 run in the second to gain the halftime lead, 45-43.
The Boleroz changed their defensive strategy on the third and crippled the knights to 12 points in the quarter against their 20 to regain the lead, 65-57. The knights again chipped off the lead on their three point shots. They, however, could not stop the Boleroz from controlling the paint and baiting fouls. The Boleroz advantage in the free throw line, netting them seven points, capped a 21-18 run to end the game, 86-75 and stay alive in the race.
Meanwhile, Jumong got off to a good start, taking the first, 26-15. A 25-22 blast by Exercitus trimmed the lead to eight points, 48-40, at the half.
Jumong dominated the second half, steadily controlling the boards to outscore Exercitus Dei, 28-20 in the third and 21-16 in the fourth to end the game with a 21 point lead, 97-76.
Other winners were BGH-EMPC over Organo Gold and Dos Republic over Quest, both via forfeiture.
By: BOBBY VINLUAN